Nottingham Forest Shock: Taiwo Awoniyi Exit Rocks City Ground Ahead of New Season
Nottingham Forest have been hit by a major late-summer development just days before the beginning of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with striker Taiwo Awoniyi set to leave the club for newly promoted Coventry City.
The move has created a mixture of surprise and emotion around the City Ground, particularly because Awoniyi had remained involved in Forest’s pre-season preparations and was recently given a farewell by teammates, staff and supporters. Reports indicate that Coventry are completing a deal worth around £17 million for the Nigeria international.
For Forest, the timing could hardly be more dramatic. The club are preparing for their opening Premier League fixture against Leeds United, while new manager Oliver Glasner continues to shape his squad and establish his preferred style of football. The departure of an experienced striker therefore leaves Forest with an important decision to make.
A Shock Departure
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest in 2022 and quickly became an important figure in the club’s modern history. His physical strength, pace and ability to attack space made him a dangerous option in the Premier League.
During his four years at Forest, he made 103 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing six assists, according to reports surrounding his impending transfer.
His departure is therefore more than simply another transfer. It represents the end of an era for a player who played a significant role during Forest’s return to the Premier League.
What makes the situation even more surprising is that Awoniyi had featured during pre-season under Glasner. He even scored during the preparations, giving the impression that he could remain part of the manager’s plans.
However, Forest’s attacking options and Glasner’s tactical preferences appear to have changed the situation. Chris Wood and other forwards
have competed for places, while the club continues to assess how best to build an attack capable of competing throughout a demanding Premier League season.
Forest Already Preparing for Change
The Awoniyi situation is not the only major development surrounding Nottingham Forest this summer.
The club have also made an important defensive statement by signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. Forest confirmed that the Ivory Coast centre-back signed a four-year contract with an option for an additional year.
That signing demonstrates the ambition behind Forest’s recruitment strategy. The club are not simply trying to survive; they want to build a stronger squad capable of competing at a higher level.
Forest supporters will therefore be watching closely to see whether the club responds to Awoniyi’s departure by adding another striker.
The need is particularly obvious because supporters have already identified the centre-forward position as an area requiring attention. A recent Guardian fan preview noted concerns about Forest’s striking depth and the need for a reliable attacking option.
Liam Delap Link Adds More Drama
One of the biggest rumours surrounding Forest is their reported interest in Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
Reports on August 17 claimed that Forest had entered the race for the 23-year-old forward, who is reportedly valued at around £40 million.
The potential move would be a significant statement.
Delap has Premier League experience and would offer Forest a younger attacking option. His physical presence and ability to play as a central striker could make him an attractive replacement for Awoniyi.
However, Forest could face competition from other clubs, including Como, Everton and Newcastle, while Delap’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain.
If Forest were able to complete such a deal, the Awoniyi departure could quickly be transformed from a major concern into an opportunity to refresh the attack.
Diomande Shows Forest’s Ambition
The signing of Diomande is equally important.
Forest’s defence was identified as an area requiring improvement, and the arrival of the highly regarded centre-back gives Glasner another powerful option at the heart of his defensive system.
The move also underlines the club’s willingness to invest in young talent with significant potential.
Forest supporters will hope that Diomande can form a strong partnership with the existing defensive options and help the team become more consistent.
The objective is clear: reduce the defensive vulnerabilities that have troubled Forest in previous campaigns while creating a team capable of challenging higher up the table.
The City Ground Is Expecting a New Chapter
Forest’s final pre-season preparations ended with a victory over Brest, giving supporters an encouraging result before the competitive season begins.
But the atmosphere surrounding the club remains intense.
The Premier League season is scheduled to begin on August 21, meaning Forest have very little time to finalize their squad.
That creates pressure on Glasner and the recruitment team.
The manager must decide which players are central to his plans, which players can leave and which positions need immediate reinforcement.
Awoniyi’s departure demonstrates how quickly those decisions can change.
Morgan Gibbs-White Remains Crucial
While the striker situation attracts attention, Morgan Gibbs-White remains one of the most important players in Forest’s squad.
The England international has developed into the creative heartbeat of the team and is expected to play a major role under Glasner.
If Forest lose Awoniyi without immediately replacing him, Gibbs-White’s creativity could become even more important.
The midfielder will be expected to create chances, connect midfield with attack and help Forest’s forwards receive better service.
Forest therefore need goals from several areas of the pitch rather than relying on one striker.
A Season Full of Expectations
There is a feeling that Nottingham Forest are entering an important new chapter.
The club have invested heavily, strengthened defensively and appointed Glasner with the hope that his experience and tactical approach can produce a more stable campaign.
A recent Guardian supporters’ preview suggested that Forest fans are hoping for a season in which the club can finally challenge for silverware, although expectations remain varied.
That ambition explains why every transfer decision is being examined so closely.
The Awoniyi exit has shocked some supporters because it arrives so close to the beginning of the season. Yet it could also open the door for a younger forward to establish himself.
The Bigger Picture
There is also a wider sense of change at Nottingham Forest.
The club have already experienced major transfer activity this summer, including the departure of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City in a deal reported at £116 million.
That kind of transfer reshapes a squad financially and competitively.
Forest now have resources to invest, but replacing influential players is never straightforward.
The challenge for Glasner is to ensure that recruitment does not simply replace individuals but creates a stronger collective team.
Final Verdict
Taiwo Awoniyi’s expected departure is undoubtedly one of the biggest Nottingham Forest stories of the summer.
After four years at the City Ground, his move to Coventry represents a significant change for both the player and the club. His farewell has added an emotional dimension to what is otherwise a major footballing decision.
For Forest, however, the story does not end with Awoniyi leaving.
The club now have an opportunity to reshape their attack, potentially bringing in a younger striker such as the reported target Liam Delap while continuing to strengthen other areas of the squad.
With Ousmane Diomande already arriving to reinforce the defence, Forest have demonstrated that they are willing to make bold decisions.
The new Premier League season is almost here, and the pressure is increasing.
Forest supporters now wait for the next announcement.
Will the club replace Awoniyi immediately? Will another major signing arrive at the City Ground? And can Glasner turn all these changes into a successful campaign?
One thing is certain: Nottingham Forest are entering the new season with major changes, major expectations and absolutely no shortage of drama.
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